Launched in March 2024, with the support of HCL foundation. This ambitious project is focused on protecting the vibrant marine life of the Gulf of Mannar from the growing threat of abandoned, discarded, and lost fishing gear (ADLG). With its roots in 17 fishing villages across the Sundaramudaiyan and Tharuvaikulam clusters, the project is driven by the power of community, aiming to transform local fishing practices and reduce marine debris.

At the heart of this initiative is the active involvement of the community, where field surveys and awareness programs lay the groundwork for change. The project also brings eco-education camps into schools and colleges to instill the importance of marine conservation in the younger generation. By integrating a ghost gear reporting feature with the Fisher friend mobile application (FFMA), we create a system of accountability and collaboration.

Stakeholder workshops bring everyone together, ensuring that collective action becomes the driving force behind sustainable solutions. Village level ghost gear management committees and the executive plans are developed for each location, ensuring that strategies are tailored to specific challenges. Coastal Ghost gear Clean-up drives are organized with the active participation of the community to reclaim the coastline from the damaging effects of ghost gear. This project is not just about removing debris from the ocean; it’s about creating a sustainable future where the Gulf of Mannar’s biodiversity can flourish, and coastal communities can thrive in harmony with the sea